Connect with us on IRC #Geekistry (PC/Mac client instructions)
One of the things we like about Geekistry is the interaction we have with fellow geeks during the live recording of the podcast. The commentary from the chat room is a virtual way for us to ‘geek-out’ with you and include you in our conversation. We’ve had so much fun chatting during the live recordings of the podcast that we want to expand the interaction: we now have our very own IRC chat channel on GeekShed.net! We’re extending the invitation to you to come hang with us and each other. #Geekistry – where geeks chat.
Here’s some information about IRC and our chat channel. Please contact us if you have questions or need help (or want to offer a “how to” write-up on a specific IRC client not listed below).
What is IRC?
In essence, IRC, which stands for “Internet Relay Chat,” was the first instant messaging service on the internet. IRC is an open protocol that uses TCP and TLS and was originally a plain text protocol. You can read more about IRC history here.
Why did you choose IRC instead of an AIM or Yahoo chat room?
IRC is free, universally accessible, and provides a group chat space capable of interaction between two, to hundreds of individuals at one time in one “channel”. IRC doesn’t require you to enter any personally identifiable information, not even an email address, to join the #geekistry conversation.
Who hosts is Geekistry’s IRC channel?
We use irc.GeekShed.net and can be found in the registered chat channel #geekistry. GeekShed.net is “a free to use and family-friendly Internet Relay Chat network, capable of hosting chat rooms for a variety of purposes.” Once logged in, you can register your nickname with a password to avoid other people using it – in fact, you might already have a registered nickname, already! Popular websites, videocasts, and podcasts like CNET / Buzz Out Loud and Chris Pirillo use GeekShed’s IRC network for their live chat during broadcasting.
Where can I find more information about how to use IRC and it’s commands?
IRC is very easy to use, so don’t panic if you’ve never used it or aren’t familiar with it. You can log in and chat just like any other group chat-channel or you can learn a few of the basic or more advanced commands by visiting GeekShed.net’s user commands FAQ. Also, after you login if you want to register your nickname check out GeekShed’s NicServ FAQ.
How can I geek-out with you on IRC?
Hey, glad you asked! Follow the instructions below to add #geekistry to your IM client…
PC/Windows IRC client set-up
- Pidgin (Free) – Pidgin is an open-source and ad-free chat program which lets you log in to accounts on multiple chat networks simultaneously… Pidgin is compatible with AIM, ICQ, Google Talk, Jabber/XMPP, MSN Messenger, Yahoo!, Bonjour, Gadu-Gadu, IRC, Novell GroupWise Messenger, QQ, Lotus Sametime, SILC, SIMPLE, MXit, MySpaceIM, and Zephyr. It can support many more with plugins.
- Accounts>Manage Accounts>Add
- Basic Tab
- Protocol: IRC
- Username: Your nickname
- Server: irc.geekshed.net
- Password: Leave blank unless your nick is already registered
- Local alias: IRC Geekistry
- Advanced Tab
- Username: Your nickname
- Real Name: Enter your real name or nickname
- Leave the other options set to default
- Proxy Tab
- Leave the options set to default
- Click “save” and you will be automatically logged into the IRC server.
- Join/add the #geekistry channel to your favorites:
- Buddies>Add Chat
- Account: Select irc.geekshed.net
- Channel: #geekistry
- Group: Chats
- Select “Autojoin when account connects”
- Click “Add”
Mac IRC client set-up
- Adium Beta (Free) – Adium is a free instant messaging application for Mac OS X that can connect to AIM, MSN, Jabber, Yahoo, and more. Currently, the beta version is the only release that supports IRC. However I consider it very stable and have been using it on my Macbook for a year.
- File>Add Account>IRC (Internet Relay Chat)
- Account Tab
- Nickname: Your nickname
- Host name: irc.geekshed.net
- Password: Leave blank unless your nick is already registered
- Check “connect when Adium opens”
- Personal Tab
- Icon: Use your global icon or choose a different one to use.
- Realname: Your real name or nickname
- Username (Ident): Your nickname
- The other two tabs do not need to be changed, but can be configured depending on your personal preference.
- File>Join Group Chat
- Account: Select irc.geekshed.net
- Channel: #geekistry (make sure you include the ‘#’)
- After the channel opens, click on the tab and select “add to bookmarks”. The chat window will now appear under your “bookmarks” in your contact list.
Additional PC / Windows IRC clients
- XChat (Windows/Linux) – XChat is an IRC chat program for both Linux and Windows. It allows you to join multiple IRC channels (chat rooms) at the same time, talk publicly, private one-on-one conversations etc. Even file transfers are possible.
- Trillian (Free and paid versions) – Since 2000, Trillian has been a powerful part of the effort to bring interoperability to IM. Trillian lets you connect to multiple IM and social networks at the same time, managing contacts and real time status feeds efficiently.
- mIRC (Free 30-day trial / $20 license) – mIRC is a full featured IRC client for Windows and has been in development for over a decade. Downloading it gives you a free 30-day trial and costs $20 to register after the trial period expires.
Additional Mac IRC clients
- Colloquy (Free) – Traditionally, chat clients on the Mac have been anything but glamorous. Colloquy is an advanced IRC, SILC & ICB client which aims to fill this void. By adhering to Mac OS X interface conventions, Colloquy has the look and feel of a quality Mac application.
- Trillian for Mac Alpha (Free) – While Trillian for Windows has been around a long time, Trillian for Mac alpha is not feature complete and should not be relied upon. However, if you’re the type who likes testing the latest releases for new services please let us know your thoughts about this product.
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